‘Attack, vandalism’ on JSD members en route to election rally

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) activists have alleged attacks while travelling to an election rally in Ramgati Upazila, Lakshmipur.

These attacks took place in several places, including Ramdayal, Azadnagar, and Ramgati Bazar in the Upazila on Monday.

Party leaders claim 15 people were injured, including two who were shot, and 16 vehicles were vandalised.

Lakshmipur Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Hossain Mohammad Raihan Kazemy said, “We are working to bring the situation under control. No one has been arrested yet.”

JSD leaders said an election rally was held on Monday afternoon at the ground of Alexander Model Pilot High School in Lakshmipur-4 constituency, with party Vice-President Tania Rob as the chief guest.

Leaders and activists had set out from various places in the Upazila in vehicles since noon to attend the rally, during which the incidents of attack and vandalism occurred.

The injured have been sent to hospitals in Noakhali and Ramgati.

Lokman Hossain Bablu, general secretary of the Upazila JSD, alleged supporters of BNP nomination hopeful ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan carried out the attack.

“Bullet-injured Abdul Mannan has been sent to Noakhali General Hospital,” he said.

However, Ramgati Upazila BNP President Jamal Uddin denied the allegations.

“We remained silent on district leaders’ orders, but terrorists led by former Upazila Parishad chairman and [Tania’s] associate Sharaf Uddin Azad Sohel attacked our leaders and activists in Ramdayal Bazar.”

JSD leader Tania is aiming to contest the Lakshmipur-4 constituency under the BNP-led alliance. She is the wife of JSD President ASM Abdur Rob.

Nizan also seeks to be the BNP candidate for the seat.

BNP has not yet announced its nominee, leading to tension between members of both parties.